It is one of the most loved elements of the Festival of Busselton and in 2019 the annual Float Parade is set to be bigger and more colourful than ever. The festival’s first float parade was held in 1964 and saw a number of well-known local businesses, such as Bank of New South Wales, now Westpac, get involved. Festival president Bernie Masters said, as one of the only remaining float parades to still be held in WA, it offered a unique opportunity for businesses and their staff, and members of the community, to come together in a truly creative and fun way. “It makes us all feel proud to know that those businesses who contributed to the earliest successes of the Festival of Busselton continue to operate and do well in Busselton today,” he said. A key feature of the Festival’s Float Parade is the water pistol fight. Related content Heralded as the biggest water fight in the South West, residents and visitors line the streets, armed with water pistols in eager anticipation of the floats. Mr Masters said it was easy for businesses and community groups to get involved and a great way to show their support for the community, while also building positive team morale. “Our emergency services teams have been exceptional in their level of involvement with the Float Parade and we believe it may have actually been the City of Busselton Fire Brigade who actually started the first water pistol fight,” he said. For further information, go to festivalofbusselton.com.au. To participate in the 2019 Festival of Busselton Float Parade, contact Jill Barton on 0408 828 810 or via email festivalofbusselton@gmail.com.

Festival of Busselton floats sought for 2019 festival

The Bank of New South Wales float in 1963. Image supplied by Lorraine Drown.

It is one of the most loved elements of the Festival of Busselton and in 2019 the annual Float Parade is set to be bigger and more colourful than ever.

The festival’s first float parade was held in 1964 and saw a number of well-known local businesses, such as Bank of New South Wales, now Westpac, get involved.

Festival president Bernie Masters said, as one of the only remaining float parades to still be held in WA, it offered a unique opportunity for businesses and their staff, and members of the community, to come together in a truly creative and fun way.

“It makes us all feel proud to know that those businesses who contributed to the earliest successes of the Festival of Busselton continue to operate and do well in Busselton today,” he said.

A key feature of the Festival’s Float Parade is the water pistol fight.

Heralded as the biggest water fight in the South West, residents and visitors line the streets, armed with water pistols in eager anticipation of the floats.

Mr Masters said it was easy for businesses and community groups to get involved and a great way to show their support for the community, while also building positive team morale.

“Our emergency services teams have been exceptional in their level of involvement with the Float Parade and we believe it may have actually been the City of Busselton Fire Brigade who actually started the first water pistol fight,” he said.